Stroke victim’s crossfit event
A gym boss who fought his way back to health after a stroke has organised his third charity fitness event in a bid to raise awareness of a lifesaving message.
John-Lee L yd on was working as a fitness coach when he suffered a stroke aged just 30 in July 2012.
The quick actions of his colleagues - who recognised the signs of a stroke -mean the was given vital medical attention swiftly.
Thankfully John-Lee made a strong recovery and now runs Crossfit Tailored Training, in Sedling Road, in Washington, along with Michael Williamson.
Since then the dad has shown his thanks to the Stroke Association for the help it offered him and his family as here covered by holding an annual fitness event at the gym.
The event is called the FAST Weekend erin reference to the FAST test used to spot the warning sign sofa stroke; Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999.
Now in its third year, the event aims to raise as much as possible for the Stroke Association and raise awareness of the stroke warning signs.
This year’s event kicked at the weekend and saw gym members in bubbles of six completing a twohour circuit of assault bike, run, row and SkiErg, in a collective effort to reach 5 million metres.
About 100 gym members, ranging from their late teens to70s,a retaking part at staggered times over the two days in accord ancewithC OVID -19 safety guidelines.
Cross fit member K aye Walsh described John-Lee as “inspiring” and hopes the effort will raise about £1,000 for the Stroke Associa ti on.
She said :" It was originally designed for teams of four people to complete four half marathons doing different exercises, but this year due to C OVID -19 we have had to come up with this completely new way of doing it so that it is safe.
"Last year we has a lot of spectators, people supporting us and there will be none of that this year –but I think it makes it a bit more special because we are doing it without all of that and in the face of adversity with the pandemic.”